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Malacañang on Monday, April 20, confirmed that fishermen were again driven away by Chinese coast guard personnel using water cannons, when the fishermen approached disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

“The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has verified and confirmed the reported incident involving fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc. However, the actual number of fishermen has not been verified,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said in a statement.

“The PCG has sent its reports to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of National Defense.”

He did not give any other details.

Reports say that in early April, a Chinese coast guard vessel used water cannons against Filipino fishermen who were fishing in Scarborough Shoal also known as Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines – a free fishing zone that the Chinese took over in 2012. Fishermen were also reportedly chased away by Chinese personnel carrying guns and aboard rubber boats.

The incident comes as China continues its aggressive reclamation activities in disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea, where they are currently constructing an airstrip.

This is not the first time that Filipino fishermen have been harassed by the Chinese.

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Welcome to Rappler, a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves).